Leesburg's push for foreign trade zone at airport moves forward

June 13, 2014

LEESBURG — The city's effort to create a foreign trade zone to boost business growth in the vicinity of Leesburg International Airport is making progress. U.S. Customs and Border Protection representatives recently wrapped up an on-site review of the airport and a 60-day period for public input expired without comments.

Foreign trade zones "provide significant financial benefits to local businesses that import and export items, reducing or eliminating duties and fees for products shipped internationally," according to a city news release. "Private companies operating in foreign trade zones also may utilize streamlined customs procedures, making work faster and easier to accomplish."

"We are hopeful that our application for the foreign trade zone will be approved soon," airport manager Leo Treggi said.